I don't think it matters at all what people on the 'outside' think and more what your fellow riders think, coz they know what you're up against, what you're riding, how hard it is. Nobody else has a clue, and anyone who thinks the race winner is riding the hardest is fooling themselves (unless the race winner is on a 583

)
I don't care what anyone thinks of me or my results, but it is nice to have the respect of your peers.
The people who matter will remember your achievements, whether that is 1st or 20th.
Chin up you slow git, you're dragging me mood down

:P:P